Spyware/Adware Problems?

[Administrator]

We all know that spyware and adware can plague you. Slowing down your computer to a halt.

It is a big problem in computers today! This is how to keep your computer safe and eliminate spyware from your computer!

1. Scan regularly with the Lavasoft ad-aware program (Link here (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/))
This will keep spyware at bay if you get it. This is a last resort however - There are many other ways to keep spyware out before it even gets in!

2. Don't visit suspicious websites. Things that offer you free smileys and other things usually contain adware to give you them. remember this simple rule. "Nothing is free in this world"

3. There are links being sent around on msn that will install spyware onto your computer and then spread it around your msn with you knowing! If people send you links unannounced do not click on them. It will help you and other people.

4. Use FireFox. There are many bugs in Internet explorer that let viruses and spyware in. FireFox keeps these at bay but will not rid them completely.

5. De-frag your computer regularly. It will not help against spyware but it will speed up your computer. PcPitStop (http://www.pcpitstop.com) Helps you to tell when it needs doing and also to tell you of spyware/adware problems!

6. Run Spybot - Search and Destory regually. This program focuses on spyware and is a great tool. (Link here (http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10401314.html?tag=lst-0-1))

7. Don't always just use scanning programs. Most ad-aware is now prone to that, so you will most likely have to remove it manually. (Thanks Duality)

A combination of these methods will help you to keep your computer spyware free :)


If you couldn't be bothered to read all of the above this is a quick recap.

Software to use:
Ad-aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/)
PcPitStop (http://www.pcpitstop.com)
Spybot (http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10401314.html?tag=lst-0-1)
HiJackThis (http://www.merijn.org/)
HiJackThis Log Analyzer (http://www.hijackthis.de/)
Quick Tips:
Don't run suspicious files
"Sponsors" are usually adware
Run adware programs regually
Use Firefox

Happy Computing,

Haydn Walker

[Zoomy]

As well as Ad-Aware, I find it handy to use Spybot: Search and Destroy (Linky (http://www.safer-networking.org/))

[Administrator]

As well as Ad-Aware, I find it handy to use Spybot: Search and Destroy (Linky (http://www.safer-networking.org/))

Ah yes.

That program is very good :) I forgot about that one :oops:

[Duality]

An extra one from me:

Don't always just use scanning programs. Most ad-aware is now prone to that, so you will most likely have to remove it manually.

[matrixlover]

I also use HijackThis, it's a thing that can basically stop all the programs hijacking stuff like your internet homepage. Comes very handy and doesn't miss a thing.

[Administrator]

Thanks for your contributions i have added them to the main list.

[Matto]

Great advice.

If only we could post a flyer out to all the mum and dad internet users that dont have a clue on how to protect their PC's. :)

[Administrator]

Great advice.

If only we could post a flyer out to all the mum and dad internet users that dont have a clue on how to protect their PC's. :)

Who says we cant. Would be a great idea to promote the website too!

[jrwb]

I also use HijackThis, it's a thing that can basically stop all the programs hijacking stuff like your internet homepage. Comes very handy and doesn't miss a thing.

If using hijack this,always consult first and post your log here so others can help you out,don't start deleting something if you aren't sure what it is.

[ptucker]

I wouldn't ever delete anything without understanding it. I need to defrag mine more often, I'll be looking into some of the resources you guys have posted, thanks!

[lockdown227]

wow great tutorial, I was having lots of trouble with spyware and a friend recommended this site. Needless to say it paid off, thanks a lot guys.